FanPost

Jones back down

With the Twins generally having a hard time scoring wouldn't it make sense to keep Jones longer than just 8 at bats?  Especially going into interleague play?

With the exception of one game against the Tigers and another against the Tigers, the Twins have been pretty frustrating to watch offensively.  I find myself changing channels when I know Morneau, Hunter or Cuddyer will not be hitting in the inning.  Anyways, what I want to bring up is why exactly we'd send down Jones and keep both Ford and Tyner?  Ford may have a bit more power and Tyner may have a bit more speed but they're basically the same player.  Both can play all three outfield positions and both contribute very little offensively to this team.  With the team going through interleague play and facing a good deal of righthanders over the next week, wouldn't it make more sense to keep someone who can beat the ball around a little bit more (maybe hit a dinger more than every 1129 at bats and counting). Losing either Tyner would not weaken or bench in the slightest, whereas keeping Jones actually strenghts it.  On days when righties are starting Jones is a legit option at DH or LF depending on where Kubel is.  On days where lefties are starting I trust Jones more than Tyner to get a sac-fly against a righthanded reliever with a man on third.  And since we already have a back up for all outfield spots, Jones becomes more versatile being able to slot in at either 1st (god forbid I know) or LF.  So what I'm basically saying here is why isn't Gardy doing more here to make this team less punchless that it already is?  Once everyone is healthy I like this scheme a lot better anyways

Righties:
Castillo 2b
Bartlett SS
Mauer C
Cuddyer RF
Morneau 1b
Hunter CF
Kubel LF
Jones DH
Punto 3B

Lefties:
Castillo 2B
Bartlett SS
Mauer DH
Cuddyer RF
Morneau 1B
Hunter CF
White LF
Redmond C
Cirillo 3B

Other Comments/Questions:
-Time for Punto to go back to super utility player... anyone?
-Baker is going to have a nice start today
-Time to restart the Mauer at 3B discussion
-Count down until we say goodbye to Ortiz in the rotation?  Perkins and Ortiz switch-a-roo anyone?My guess is 3 more starts.
-Is Neshek still considered a situational reliever, why isn't he the 7th inning man?  
-Why in the world would you take Guerrier out of his current role when he's done so well at it?